Hamas has announced its intention to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier and the last known American hostage held in Gaza. This development is part of broader efforts to establish a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid into the region. The release is expected on Tuesday, ahead of President Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East.

Negotiations for Alexander’s release involved officials from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya emphasized the group’s willingness to negotiate a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict and exchange prisoners.

While the Israeli government has not yet commented on this development, Hamas has expressed readiness to free all hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s deadly October 2023 attack, has resulted in over 52,800 Palestinian deaths and significant humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

The U.S. administration views the potential release as a positive step and has called on Hamas also to return the bodies of four deceased Americans. President Trump reiterated his commitment to facilitating food aid and warned Hamas of severe consequences if American hostages, including Edan Alexander, are not released.

This announcement follows the earlier release of 38 hostages during a ceasefire that began in January. However, Israel resumed military operations in March after ceasefire talks collapsed, citing Hamas’s refusal to end hostilities.

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as negotiations continue.

Source: Reuters